Elite women coach numbers almost triple but 'misogynistic and abusive' behaviour still exists
The Australian Institute of Sport reports that female head coach numbers have tripled to over 25 percent since 2021. Despite this progress, the report highlights that women still face systemic barriers, including misogynistic behavior and difficulties balancing career and family life.
Why it matters
Addressing cultural barriers in high-performance sports is essential for creating sustainable, inclusive environments for professional coaching talent.
Stacey Marinkovich (Diamonds), Bec Rippon (Stingers), and Sandy Brondello (Opals) are three of the highest-profile female head coaches of Australian national teams. ( Getty Images )
Link copied Share Share article If you asked generative AI to create an image of a sports coach, it would likely serve up a middle-aged white man.
And while rooted in stereotypes, it would not necessarily be inaccurate.
The picture is slowly changing in some sports, although not substantial enough yet to disturb the algorithm.
The Australian Institute of Sport found the number of female head coaches in funded sports has nearly tripled since starting its Women in High Performance Coaching project in 2021.
The number now sits at more than 25 per cent, but AIS Director Matti Clements told ABC Sport that is still not good enough.
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